Creating high-performing ads requires compelling visuals, clear messaging, and an engaging format. HeyGen simplifies the process of designing impactful display ads, social ads, and user-generated content (UGC) ads that drive conversions and engagement. Follow this guide to create ad content tailored to your marketing needs.
Quick tips for effective ads
Keep It short and impactful, as most ad formats perform best under 30 seconds. Ensure your value proposition is conveyed within the first few seconds by using clear messaging.
Consider using different ad formats for different platforms or actions you want viewers to take.
Try to optimize for mobile, because the majority of users view ads on their smartphones.
Step 1: Define your ad objective and script
Before jumping into HeyGen, determine the goal of your ad. Common objectives include:
Brand awareness: introduce your brand or product
Lead generation: capture sign-ups or inquiries
Sales & conversions: drive purchases and immediate actions
Once your objective is set, draft a concise and engaging script. Keep the language simple and focus on the problem your product solves for your audience.
HeyGen offers a wide range of avatars for every occasion and options for creating custom avatars to bring your videos to life!
See this resource for step-by-step instructions on how to choose a Public Avatar from HeyGen’s extensive library of avatars with 700+ voices compatible with 170+ languages and dialects. Each Public Avatar also comes with multiple Looks, which are varying outfits, poses or backgrounds.
Want something completely custom or out-of-the box? Try generating an avatar from text where your imagination is the only limit. Whether hyper-realistic, in an animation style of your choice, or set fully in a fictional world, generate the perfect avatar for your needs in unlimited outfits and surroundings. See our guide on how to change your avatars’ outfits and surroundings for further customization, and if you’re new to prompting, see our prompting best practices guide.
Customize avatars with outfits and backgrounds to enhance brand consistency.
Step 3: Design your ad format
To maximize the effectiveness of your advertising strategy, it’s crucial to choose the right ad format tailored to your target audience and platform. In this step, we’ll explore three popular ad styles.
1. Display ads
Format: Horizontal (16:9) or Square (1:1)
Best for: Website placements, Google Display Network, banners.
Key elements:
Bold text overlay with a CTA.
Product-focused visuals.
Short-form animation to attract attention.
2. Social Ads
Format: Vertical (9:16) for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Stories; Square (1:1) for feeds.
Best For: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn.
Key Elements:
Engaging, fast-paced visuals.
Captions and on-screen text.
Native elements such as hashtags and emojis.
3. UGC ads (user-generated content style)
Format: Vertical (9:16) for TikTok & Instagram.
Best For: Relatable, organic-feeling social media ads.
Key Elements:
Influencer-style talking head video.
Personal storytelling or product demonstration.
Social proof elements like testimonials and real-user feedback.